Whitworth University News

Whitworth University’s forensic team captured first place and numerous top awards at the National Christian College Forensics Association Invitational in Azusa, Calif., on March 8-10.

The tournament included 19 Christian schools from 14 states who are members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) or have a similar Christian commitment.

Whitworth took first place, finishing ahead of tough competitors including Biola University, Dordt College, Liberty University and Seton Hall University. This marks the fifth time in six years Whitworth has won this tournament.

In individual awards, Tucker Wilson, ’20, was awarded national champion in the after-dinner speaking event. Wilson was also the third best overall speaker and debater of the tournament. Brendan Thompson, ’21, was named national champion in the novice informative category, and Jess Lewis, ’20, was named best speaker in debate.

“I am proud of this team, their intellectual abilities, their speaking skills, and their ability to have fun and work well together as teammates,” says Michael Ingram, professor of communication studies and director of forensics. “This was another win for the liberal arts. This team of 13 students includes nine different academic majors. This breadth of knowledge lays a broad foundation for talking about ideas that cut across disciplines.”

This is the latest in a series of top-place finishes for the Arguing Bucs. The team took second place at the Arkansas Tech tournament on Feb. 23-25 and finished first at the Oregon State University tournament Feb. 17-18.

The team’s final tournament of the season will be a debate-only event at the International Public Debate Association National Championship, hosted by Whitworth on March 24-27.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private, liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.